Atlas Copco is introducing a completely new hydraulic rock drill – the COP 3060ME/MEX – for use in surface drilling, which is setting new standards. Thanks to an innovative manufacturing technique, the designers were able to minimise losses in the hydraulic flow by optimising the design of the channels and spool valve. This results in efficiency that, according to Fredrik Öberg, Product Portfolio Manager, is currently un-matched in this drill class.

“Our top priority when developing the COP 3060ME/MEX was to optimise the hydraulic efficiency”, says Öberg. “In this rock drill, we utilise the installed power that is fed to the drill in such a way that has never before been possible. This is state-of-the-art”.

With the development of COP 3060ME/MEX, Atlas Copco has also managed to increase the service interval to 600 percussion hours and maintain drilling at high power. The key to this is the design of the hydraulic system, which prolongs the service life of the internal seals.

In addition, all wear parts have been optimised for longer service life. For example, the splines of the driver and shank adapter have been given a new shape which dramatically reduces wear on the driver – thus saving costs. Another cost saving is the reduced number of internal parts.